Santa Barbara’s maritime safety operations took a significant leap forward on March 10, 2025, as the City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department welcomed a next-generation emergency response vessel to the Harbor Patrol fleet. At 8:00 a.m. on the day, officials, harbor staff, and members of the community gathered at the Travel Hoist Pier for a traditional mariner’s christening ceremony to mark the arrival of the M2 Catamaran from Moose Boats LLC. This cutting-edge vessel will replace Patrol Boat #3, which has faithfully served the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol since 1999 and is now retiring after more than 25 years of dedicated service.
The introduction of the M2 represents a substantial investment in public safety, ensuring that the Harbor Patrol remains equipped to handle the increasing demands of marine law enforcement, emergency response, and environmental protection. Secured through a General Services Administration (GSA) contract two years ago, the vessel cost approximately $900,000 — a price significantly lower than what it would cost in today’s market due to rising material and labor expenses. The decision to secure the vessel at that time has allowed the city to maximize its budget while bringing in a state-of-the-art asset to enhance harbor and coastal safety.
The M2 is designed to serve as a versatile emergency response platform, fully outfitted for marine law enforcement, emergency medical response, ocean rescues, marine firefighting, search-and-rescue operations, and emergency towing. When asked how the M2 Catamaran’s technology and design improve emergency response times and capabilities compared to the retiring Patrol Boat #3, Nathan Alldredge, Captain and Harbor Operations Manager for the City of Santa Barbara Waterfront, highlighted several key advancements.
“The stability of the catamaran’s hull and wider beam provides our officers with a more stable platform from which to operate, which is especially beneficial when performing rescues in heavier seas,” Alldredge explained. The vessel’s side-scanning sonar and improved thermal imaging also enhance night and low-light operations, allowing officers to quickly locate and respond to emergencies that might have previously been more challenging to manage. These technological upgrades make the M2 Catamaran a significant improvement over its predecessor, ensuring faster, safer, and more efficient emergency response capabilities on the water.
Its advanced design and capabilities will improve the efficiency of the Harbor Patrol, allowing officers to respond more effectively to incidents both in the harbor and along the coastline. Moose Boats LLC is a respected manufacturer of high-performance vessels for law enforcement and military applications, the M2 Catamaran offers increased stability, maneuverability, and operational readiness in even the most challenging marine conditions.
Alldredge detailed the city’s proactive approach to fleet management when discussing plans for modernizing the Harbor Patrol fleet and the strategies used to prioritize funding for future upgrades.
“Years ago, Santa Barbara’s Waterfront Department created a vessel replacement fund to strategically set aside capital for future vessel replacements when needed,” Alldredge said. This long-term planning ensures that when a patrol boat reaches the end of its operational lifespan, funding is already in place to invest in a modernized replacement without placing an unexpected burden on the city’s budget.
In addition to planning for new vessels, the city maintains a strong focus on upkeep and preservation of its existing fleet. “The Waterfront has a robust maintenance program, ensuring that our current vessels and assets are professionally maintained and kept in top condition,” he explained. This approach extends the lifespan of patrol boats and ensures that Harbor Patrol officers have reliable equipment to effectively perform law enforcement and rescue operations. Through strategic funding and preventative maintenance, the city remains committed to modernizing its fleet while maximizing the longevity of its current vessels.
The Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol is the primary emergency response agency responsible for overseeing the safety of the city’s harbor, marinas, beaches, and Stearns Wharf. Beyond these immediate responsibilities, the patrol’s jurisdiction extends to the nearshore waters of the Pacific Ocean, stretching from Santa Barbara Point to Loon Point and extending three miles offshore. In cases of rescue and mutual aid calls, the Harbor Patrol operates as far west as Coal Oil Point, as far east as Rincon Island, and up to 12 miles into the Santa Barbara Channel. With this new vessel, the department will be better equipped to respond swiftly to distress calls, enforce harbor regulations, and provide critical emergency assistance in a region where swift action can mean the difference between life and death.
When discussing the M2 Catamaran’s role in environmental protection within Santa Barbara’s waters, Alldredge highlighted its importance in responding to oil spills, marine wildlife incidents, and other ecological challenges.
“Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol Officers are all HAZWOPER certified and undergo annual training in oil spill boom deployment to ensure they are prepared to respond to environmental hazards,” Alldredge explained. With the addition of the M2 Catamaran, response capabilities will be even more efficient, allowing for faster deployment of containment booms in the event of a spill. “The M2 will be ready to deploy boom quickly and work in coordination with other local assets to mitigate environmental damage,” he added. Beyond immediate response efforts, the new vessel will also be available for mutual aid requests from local partners, ensuring a collaborative approach to marine environmental protection in the region.
The addition of the M2 Catamaran underscores Santa Barbara’s commitment to maritime safety and environmental stewardship. As boating activity continues to grow and climate-related challenges such as stronger storms and shifting ocean conditions increase, having a highly capable emergency response vessel will be invaluable in protecting both human lives and marine ecosystems. The city’s proactive investment in this advanced vessel ensures that its waters remain safe and that its Harbor Patrol is prepared for the evolving challenges of modern marine emergency response.
For more information about the Santa Barbara Waterfront Department’s activities and services, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Waterfront.
